HUNDREDS of people ensured that a new sports and music festival in memory of a St Albans entrepreneur who died in a tragic accident was hailed a roaring success.

The first Rob Williams Sports and Music Festival was held at Beaumont School in St Albans and despite disappointing weather, over 650 pupils, their parents, school staff and friends made their way to the event joined by the Deputy Mayor of St Albans, Cllr Beric Read.

In the morning around 100 people took part in a sponsored sports event which included netball, dodgeball, touch rugby and a crazy relay for which sponsorship alone raised more than �5,500.

The sports event was won by the only team in fancy dress, styled as runners from the 118 118 commercials.

In the afternoon critically-acclaimed singer Eliza Doolittle kicked off the music proceedings while a lively DJ set from the Filthy Dukes got the crowd dancing around the school to close the festival at 8pm.

A live graffiti exhibition, stalls and games including sumo wrestling and football helped boost funds and a silent auction which ran before and after the event which included a signed Dragon Force guitar and signed Manchester United shirt raised �2,500.

In total the festival raised �15,000 for the Princes Trust, the Rob Williams Enterprise Fund and the Beaumont School Association.

On behalf of the family, Rob’s sister Emma Williams said: “We were truly touched by the amount of commitment and effort from so many people and we can’t thank enough all those who organised , participated and supported this event.”

Rob, 29, died after falling from a mountain during a snowboarding trip for young entrepreneurs last year. He and his best friend and business partner Jason Tavaria became separated from their party during a blizzard on the slopes of the Swiss ski resort of Verbier.

Rob was a former pupil of Beaumont School and his family still live in St Albans.